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A great place for some pub grub in Rothbury

After spending a day out and about in Kielder National Park in Nortumberland on our little mini break, we were looking for somewhere to grab some dinner on the way back to our accommodation. We decided to try the beautiful English town of Rothbury which was on route, however the only slight problem was that it was Easter Sunday, and we weren't quite sure which restaurants/pubs would be serving food at that time in the evening. We parked out car and my husband had a quick walk around the little town to see better what was open. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of choice, as many which had been serving food had now stopped after 6pm, but he was directed in one place to the Newcastle House Hotel, which is situated opposite the town/village square (if it can be called that) where many people were enjoying the beautiful Spring sunshine and enjoying a picnic or a drink on the grassy area outside the pub.

My husband and I pushed our way in through the many people standing outside with their drink, and found the restaurant area, which thankfully were still serving food. A helpful and friendly barmaid offered us a choice of seats i nthe restaurant area, which is partially separated from the main bar area. Inside is very dark and decorated as a very traditonal english pub is. Many of the locals were also enjoying drinks inside at the bar, but we had a quiet seat in the corner. Unforunately we just missed out (ironically) on the 'all day' carvery, which actually finished at 6 o'clock and offered a great deal in dining, so we instead were given the main pub menu, as well as a choice from the specials board. The food on offer was traditonal pub food such as lasagne, bangers and mash, beat battered fish and chips, as well NOrthumberland roast lamb, which my husband chose and vegetable pasta bake, which I opted for.

Not long ater being seated the bar maid came and took our drinks order and then returned to get our meal order. Whilst we waited we did enjoy the nice relaxing atmosphere in the pub, but at the same time, we enjoying being able to maintain our own conversation without having to chout at each other across the table, as you may have to do in some pubs. It wasn't long before our meals arrived, and the portions would have been enough for a small family. Both my husband and I happened to pick meals both costing less than £9 each and we were very pleasantly surprised with the quantity of food on our plate. My husband commented immediately on his delicious roast lamb, which he said 'fell apart' when he went to cut it. He got his served with roast potatoes, yorkshire pudding and a lovely choice of vegetables. My vegetable pasta bake came n its own round dish and was served with both chunky chips and a lovely refreshing salad. By the time we had finished, despite the large quantities, there wasn't a lot on either or our plates, and we enjoyed it immensely. During our meal the bar maid did come over to check that everything was enjoyable and if we needed anything. Although we both finished our meals, we were too stuffed to even contemplate dessert and we simply then asked for the bill, which we paid at the bar area.

All in all, despite our initial disappointment that there were few restaurants/pubs serving food that evening, we actually faired rather well, in that we both got a delicious meal for a great price in a nice pub atmosphere that was friendly but not too noisy. Before we left we also noticed that on a Thursday night, this Newcaslte House Hotel offers a tapas night offering a variety of tapas dishes from around the world, and they also served breakfast, as well as tea, coffee and ice cream, so it really does cater for everything and everyone. A great choice in Rothbury for some pub grub.